ADAM Reynolds is likely to receive a golden opportunity to out-point rival Mitchell Pearce while both playing for City - but it still won't land him a coveted NSW jumper no matter how well he performs.

The South Sydney halfback is expected be picked on the City bench for the annual match against Country in Coffs Harbour on April 21.

There had been some talk that Pearce - as well as NSW and Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah - would be rested for the key Origin trial, but that particular idea has since been shelved.

Now, it sets up an intriguing showdown between the rival No.7s, while they represent the same team.

WHO SHOULD WEAR THE NUMBER 7 FOR NSW? VOTE BELOW.

No matter how well Reynolds plays, and despite the avalanche of support for him after his superb form in the first four rounds, Daley will stick to his guns and choose Pearce for the Origin opener against Queensland at ANZ Stadium on June 5.

There is a strong belief within the NSWRL hierarchy that Reynolds has simply not done enough at a higher level to warrant his inclusion in Origin, especially with his indifferent display for the NRL All Stars in February.

Mitchell Pearce (centre) looks certain to retain the blue number 7 jersey for State of Origin.

It remains to be seen how much game time the 23-year-old would receive for City later this month, but if he does outshine Pearce it presents an interesting situation for Daley and his advisers given the coach has publicly declared his support of Pearce.

While the halfback position for NSW is no longer in question, the City-Country game looms large as the key for several other positions.

"I'm hoping the two teams will be made up of guys that we want to have a look at," Daley said.

Five-eighth is particularly problematic, with Jarrod Mullen, James Maloney, Josh Reynolds and Blues incumbent Todd Carney all to be picked for City-Country.

Prop is also an issue. Apart from the automatic selection of James Tamou, Daley will run an eye over Tim Grant, Tim Mannah, Aaron Woods, Trent Merrin, Willie Mason, Aiden Tolman and Ryan James.

The NSW coach had been keen to rest the likes of Pearce and Farah ahead of an arduous period as NSW attempt to finish Queensland's streak of seven series wins.

Last year, City beat Country 24-22 although there were concerns some players were not abundantly enthusiastic about the match because they already knew Blues selection was assured.

NSWRL officials vetoed the move to rest players because they did not want to devalue the annual contest.

City and Country selectors cannot name their sides until Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens finalises his side on April 14.

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